Common Nutritional Problems in India

What is Meant by Nutritional Problems?

A nutritional problem or deficiency refers to a condition when an individual's body lacks essential nutrients or some specific nutrient giving rise to health issues.

What leads to Nutritional Deficiencies?

The nutritional problems in India can be categorised as below:

1. Primary Nutritional Deficiency

This deficiency majorly occurs when an individual is facing a lack of some specific essential nutrients. This condition can get resolved through the intake of proper foods or supplements for providing the nutrients.

2. Secondary Nutritional Deficiency

This deficiency takes place because of limited nutrient absorption due to the presence of a medical illness such as cystic fibrosis, pernicious anaemia, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and pancreatic insufficiency.

Common Nutritional Problems in India

1. Vitamin D-related Nutritional Problems

This is an essential nutrient for maintaining bone health and it is also responsible for the prevention of certain types of cancers. Long-term deficiencies of this nutrient would result in the softening of bones, autoimmune disorders and cancers.

2. Protein-related Nutritional Problems

These nutrients are essential when it comes to maintaining muscle mass. This nutritional problem is found in children with seriously low nutrient intake in their growing years and in older individuals who suffer from anorexia, prolonged periods of starvation or fasting, depression, and limited intake of proper nutritious food. In children, the 2 commonly found types of protein-energy malnutrition are :

a. Marasmus

This leads to loss of weight due to a drop in muscle and fat mass in the body.

b. Kwashiorkor

This results in the loss of weight because of having a diet that is predominant in carbohydrates but deficient in proteins.

3. Iron-related Nutritional Problems

This is a vital micronutrient essential for several body functions like cognitive function, oxygen transport, immune function, differentiation and growth of cells, physical and mental growth. Deficiency of this nutrient causes Anaemia which is still one of the major health conditions occurring because of a shortage in the intake of minerals and vitamins.

4. Vitamin B12-related Nutritional Problems

This vitamin is essential when it comes to the generation of body energy. Several studies have shown that the deficiency of Vitamin B12 in Indian individuals exists around 70% to 100% which might result in Crohn's disease, celiac disease, parasite infestation, and atrophic gastritis.

5. Iodine-related Nutritional Problems

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone, which is vital for growth, repair and the regulation of metabolic changes. The deficiency of this nutrient can result in mental retardation and growth abnormalities in children.

6. Vitamin A-related Nutritional Problems

This vitamin is important for healthy eyesight and immune function, and deficiency of this nutrient can lead to blindness and immunity suppression.

7. Folate-related Nutritional Problems

This nutrient is a naturally existing form of vitamin B9 which is vital when it comes to the formation of RNA and DNA. The deficiency of this nutrient is a common nutritional problem for adolescents. It is also an important nutrient for pregnant women because of its role in preventing congenital disabilities such as spina bifida in newborn babies.

9. Vitamin C-related Nutritional Problems

This is an essential nutrient responsible for healthy skin and strong immunity. Deficiency of this nutrient can give rise to damaged and dry skin, wounds healing slowly and easy bruising.

Conclusion

A majority of the health issues occurring because of nutritional problems in India stop after the deficiency is resolved. But in some of the cases, there might be lasting damage. This generally takes place only when the deficiency has been extreme and is going for an extended period of time.

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Source: Acko, GoDigit

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on April 11, 2023